Book Description

The case of the Gypsies provides a clear example of a minority group suffering especially severe discrimination. In the majority of European countries, access to basic services is extremely limited for Gypsies, with serious results for the health and education of Gypsy children. This publication originated in a 2-day UNICEF workshop,"Growing Up as a Gypsy," held in Florence, Italy, in October 1992. "The Making of Minorities" (Enzo Pace) discusses societal and group factors that create a minority group, minority group survival strategies, and the particularly vulnerable situation of minority group children. "Growing Up As a Gypsy: Insights from the October 1992 UNICEF ICDC Workshop" (Sinead ni Shuinear) provides an overview of Gypsy child rearing and family life, access to health care, educational attitudes and attainment, housing practices and problems, and the role of the Gypsy child in family economics and employment. Recommendations include development of an information base and proposals for action in the areas of legal issues, accommodation, services, and social mobilization. "Gypsy Children in Europe: An Overview" (Sandro Costarelli) presents facts and figures about Gypsy children, covering legal status, demography, infant mortality, child morbidity, housing, child institutionalization, school attendance and completion, juvenile crime, and adult unemployment. "Gypsy Life in Four European Countries" (Sandro Costarelli) presents a comparative analysis based on case studies in former Czechoslovakia, former Yugoslavia, France, and Italy. "Innovation and Change in Gypsy Communities" (Alain Reyniers) examines cultural adaptation, settlement, and political action by Gypsy communities. The document also contains an article "They Can See the Future and It Hurts" (Patricia Clough) which appeared in "The Independent", Oct. 26, 1991. Contains a list of workshop participants and many photographs. (SV)